close
close
what is 40 percent of 125

what is 40 percent of 125

2 min read 26-12-2024
what is 40 percent of 125

What is 40 Percent of 125? A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a percentage of a number is a common mathematical task. This article will show you exactly how to calculate 40 percent of 125, explaining the process step-by-step so you can easily understand and apply this to other percentage calculations. We'll also explore different methods to solve this problem.

Understanding Percentages

Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review what percentages represent. A percentage is a fraction out of 100. So, 40 percent means 40 out of 100, or 40/100. This can be simplified to 2/5.

Method 1: Converting to a Decimal

This is arguably the most straightforward method.

  1. Convert the percentage to a decimal: To change 40% to a decimal, divide it by 100: 40 ÷ 100 = 0.40

  2. Multiply the decimal by the number: Now, multiply the decimal (0.40) by 125: 0.40 x 125 = 50

Therefore, 40 percent of 125 is 50\boxed{50}.

Method 2: Using Fractions

This method uses the fractional representation of the percentage.

  1. Convert the percentage to a fraction: As mentioned earlier, 40% is equal to 40/100, which simplifies to 2/5.

  2. Multiply the fraction by the number: Multiply the fraction (2/5) by 125: (2/5) x 125 = (2 x 125) / 5 = 250 / 5 = 50

Again, we find that 40 percent of 125 is 50\boxed{50}.

Method 3: Proportions

This method uses the concept of proportions to solve for the unknown value.

  1. Set up a proportion: We can set up a proportion: x / 125 = 40 / 100

  2. Cross-multiply and solve: Cross-multiply to get: 100x = 5000. Then, divide both sides by 100: x = 50

This confirms that 40 percent of 125 equals 50\boxed{50}.

Practical Application

Understanding how to calculate percentages is useful in many everyday situations, such as:

  • Calculating discounts: If an item is 40% off, and the original price is $125, you'll save $50.
  • Determining tax amounts: If a sales tax is 40%, you can easily calculate the additional cost.
  • Working with statistics: Understanding percentages is crucial for interpreting data and graphs.

Conclusion

Calculating 40 percent of 125 is straightforward using several methods. Whether you choose to convert the percentage to a decimal, use fractions, or set up a proportion, the answer remains the same: 50\boxed{50}. Mastering these methods will allow you to confidently tackle similar percentage problems in the future.

Related Posts


Popular Posts